Here’s a suggestion for this coming weekend to get you in the autumn and Halloween mood — the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. The annual event now in its 41st year takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct 15 and 16, and generally celebrates all things pumpkin, which grow in abundance around the area.

The centerpiece of the weekend is the display of world championship pumpkins, the winner this year weighing in at 1,704 lbs. There’s also an expert pumpkin carver at work on a giant pumpkin, as well as pie-eating contests, costume contest and pumpkin carving for all comers.

The Great Pumpkin parade starts at noon on Saturday, and the Pumpkin Run/Walk at 8am on Sunday. Besides that, Main Street is lined with booths as far as the eye can see, including an area with food, beer and wine, and live bands. It’s a fun time for all ages, and a great excuse to get out of the city and down the peninsula to the coast, and small town Bay Area. Oh, and admission is free.